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The Debate
The Debate is our home for the best opinions from around Asia. Whether it is negotiating with Iran, responding to North Korean provocations, discussing Japan's looming demographic issues, or considering the new balance of power in the Asia-Pacific, some of the region's leading thinkers offer their take.
Vietnam’s Time to Choose
By Duy Hoang
Hanoi's impending upgrade in relations with Washington is the right move. It needs to follow up by ensuring basic freedoms for its people.
New Uzbekistan’s Reform Agenda: A Catalyst for Stronger US Bilateral Relations
By Ambassador Furqat Sidikov
Uzbekistan is a bedrock U.S. partner in a dynamic region.
G20 Summit: India’s Authoritarianism Strangles Solutions to Global Challenges
By Avinash Kumar and Alena Kahle
Rather than setting an agenda that would put forward the voices of the Global South and the world’s most marginalized, India has used its G-20 presidency for cynically domestic political purposes.
Coal Companies and the Media Need to Wake up and Smell the Smoke
By Antony Balmain
Record profits for coal companies shouldn’t be reported on without the necessary climate context.
Tesla Pledges a Major Boost to Indonesia’s EV Ambitions
By Mark Field
Despite their concerns about its protectionism, Western governments should support President Joko Widodo's ambitions to make his nation a "key player" in the sector.
Justice More Important Than Ever as Rohingya Mark Bleak Anniversary
By Tun Khin
“It is high time that the world takes action to end the genocide against the Rohingya, starting with supporting the international justice efforts.”
In Afghanistan, the Situation for Children is Grim – and Getting Grimmer
By Ahmad
Two years after the Taliban’s reconquest, rates of poverty and malnutrition have skyrocketed among the country’s young.
Between China and Russia, Mongolia Stays Defiant – For Now
By Bayarkhuu Dashdorj
Without a sizable commercial and trade backbone, Mongolia-U.S. relations could yield under pressure from Russia and China.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: The Quad’s Path Forward in Southeast Asia
By Lucas Myers and Blake Berger
A focus on HA/DR would be a return to the Quad's roots – and an effective way to merge public goods provision and maritime security in a politically palatable manner
Is the Philippines Ready for a Taiwan Conflict?
By Nian Peng
The Philippines is becoming increasingly vocal about Taiwan, and Beijing is watching carefully.
Time for a Japan-Korea Élysée Treaty
By IWAMA Yoko
The two East Asian nations should take inspiration from landmark treaty in Europe.
Without Human Rights Sanctions, the World Is Normalizing China’s Genocide of Uyghurs
By Omer Kanat
Every visit by a U.S. official to China, without uttering a word about the Uyghurs, contributes to the alarming prospect of normalizing the Uyghur genocide.